Punk, anyone ?

At some point, The Exploited was a punk band, loud, fast, naughty and dumb ; the kind of hardcore gutter music that inspired, in many ways, the beginnings of trash metal. At some point, The Exploited turned into a trash metal band too, or, to be accurate, into a speed metal band with punk lyrics – metalcore, anyone ? Which means they desperately try to sound like Motorhead in the 90’s, which isn’t the worst idea ever, but maybe not the best. So, what do we get ? Clinical drums with that distinct clikiticlic double bass-drum sound, metalzone guitars playing three notes riff. Does it work ? I must admit it does, at least on the record – Wattie’s vocal sound like he has anything like a throat anymore, the simplistic song structures perfectly express what the band has to give – anger. But the question is : is it really worth the hearing ? Well, if you want to scream and throw stones at the police, start trouble in a pub or scare your parents, probably. But there’s just nothing more than dumb angst here. “There’s no fucking point”, sings Wattie ; he’s sadly right. The album is enjoyable, still, with the almost Ministry-like “noise annoys me” or “Was it me”, its rather poppy melody and its nice feedback soloing (actually that would be the only song I would save, even if it sounds a bit like New Model Army in some way), but there’s definitely something missing.

Well, I still believe in their music, but my opinion about Wattie and co, is the same as one of my fav punk band for ever :

Another fine timing for a step into lineFor four budding young stars who've just found the timeAn old tune and shit words, as long as they rhymeWell just watch them boys because they can't fail this timeWell I've heard all the screams of another barmy armyBut who sits in hotels with champagne and salami?It only leaves you to be the one who's barmyYou're being led on to make a superstars fortune

Yeah, we live in dead cities, and the streets are greyBut I don't need Top of the Pops to make me think that wayI can see this rebellion on my TV screenBut no sign of a future for you and meA slight reflection of the past, but that didn't lastBecause the people who mattered weren't rolled in the castThey're lining up another lot, all idols whowill be nailing down the coffin on me and youYou tell me about the Conflict barmy army.Well, excuse me if I laugh, but I think it's rather funnyThat when the businessman farts the punters go runningWe are just the latest pile of shit; can't you see what's coming?

The businessmen whisper from backroom thronesTheir long grasping tentacles are hungry and strongTop chart hits and in future, we can't go wrongBut it's only their wallets that get fat on our songsDoes it really matter about the businessman side?I don't really give a fuck, if punk's dead or alive.Top chart hits and future, they can do that for you.But just ask this question, is it false or is it true?